5 Tips for Networking Nirvana

Networking. We all know we should do it. Many of us make an effort, albeit often reluctantly, to do it. And, as with most things, a few know how to work a room like nobody‘s business, which can make networking novices even more intimidated and less inclined to reap the benefits of networking. So, how can you reach networking nirvana? Here are five insights from some of the networkers extraordinaire in my own personal network.

1. Adopt a networking state of mind.

To Stephanie Berenbaum, co-founder of Fabulous and Frugal, networking is more than just being a description of an activity; it‘s about being open to the opportunity that lies all around you. “You can attend all the ‘networking functions’ you want, but if your mind isn‘t open to the possibilities that surround you, you‘re going to leave having gained nothing from the experience,” says Stephanie, adding, “I have seen time and time again, the more closed off you are, the less you gain personally and professionally. And the more willing you are to take risks and start discussions, the more you gain, which is why I think of networking as being both an activity and an active state of being. If you walk into a room thinking there is someone really interesting there who you can learn from, you will almost always prove yourself right.”

If you walk into a room thinking there is someone really interesting there who you can learn from, you will almost always prove yourself right.

2. Not all networking is created equal.

Jenni Luke, CEO of Step Up Women‘s Network, considers networking as the equivalent of advertising. “You need to set a budget and assess how you can place yourself in the most advantageous settings to get the biggest bang for your buck.” Nicki Gilmour, CEO of Evolved Employer, agrees, “Focus on the quality of your network, not just on the quantity of people in your network.”

3. Good networking is about giving not taking.

“When I network, I don‘t think of what someone can do for me,” adds Julie Kampf, CEO and President of JBK Associates, Inc., “but focus on how I might extend myself to help that person achieve his or her objectives. Somehow, when you give to others, it always seems to come back your way, maybe not from the person you helped but from someone in his/her network.”

4. Networking has nuance.

Kristi Faulkner, President of Womenkind believes, “Networking is not just about simply getting to know people or personally marketing yourself, your cause, or your organization. It‘s about finding those that you have something in common with and nurturing that connection in a personal way.”

5. Networks take nurturing.

All of the networking mavens I spoke with believe that nurturing your network is the whole secret to successful networking. As Kristi asked, “What‘s the point of making the effort to cultivate a relationship if it‘s just going to die on the vine?”